Results tagged “Certified Professional Photographer” from PPA Today

Photographers who belong to Photographers of America (PPA) are a very diverse group of people, but one common thread is their passion for the support that their peers provide. PPA's YouTube video series, Behind The Camera, features professional photographers who share their trials and tribulations, and their relationship within the PPA community. Today it's Pete Rezac, CPP, who pitches in!

None of these interviews are scripted or paid for. These are real photographers, members of PPA, who value and share the power of their PPA community.

The world of professional photography spreads far and wide, which makes it easy to feel that you have to "go at it alone". PPA's goal is to link professional photographers together, providing a support system and business backbone that helps photographers grow, sustainably.

In the video below, Pete shares how becoming a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) through PPA has helped him grow as a photographer and impacted his business positively!

Help your photography friends and share this video. The power of being involved and deeply connected goes beyond professional development. It's a support system no one should be left without. You can also view a full playlist of the Behind The Camera Video series on PPA's YouTube channel and learn more about the CPP program here.

About the author:

Chris Homer is PPA's SEO & Web Specialist, which basically makes Google Analytics his best friend. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Chris cheers passionately (and obnoxiously) for the Bulldogs in all things from football to checkers. When he's not hard at work on PPA's websites, you'll find Chris at auto racing events around the southeast, where he's known as a master architect of tent villages.

by James YatesYour PPA membership comes loaded with several educational opportunities to keep you competitive and on the forefront of modern professional photography. One of the greatest ways to set yourself apart from the competition, if you haven't already, is to GET CERTIFIED!

One of PPA's favorite podcasts, The PhotoTellers, recently sat and talked with PPA's Director of Certification, Julia Boyd, for a conversation all about the program. In this episode, Julia and co-hosts Bill Ramsey and Cris Duncan discuss:

What does it mean to be "Certified Professional Photographer?" Why does it matter?

What are the steps to become certified?

What are the objective metrics that distinguish a certified and non-certified photographer? How is this used in marketing? How will PPA help you leverage this distinction?

To the photographer who says, "I don't need certification! I'm doing great work without it." What will you gain through the process?

Give it a listen here. And, while you're at it, check out the other fantastic podcasts from the PhotoTellers team and the Fireside Network. If you'd like to learn more about the Certification process, head on over to PPA.com/CPP.

Certification is one very important way that PPA helps you Be More Successful!

James Yates is an Atlanta-based
writer/actor and the Communications Specialist at Professional Photographers of
America (PPA). A graduate of Georgia State University, James has worked in the
non-profit sector his whole life and is proud to be able to help artists
achieve their goals. In his spare time he can be found walking his dogs on the
Beltline or partaking in the nightly theater and comedy scene in the ATL.

Have you ever wanted to explore the path to Certification, but don't know where to start? Imaging USA is a great place to get all the information you could ever need! Whether you prefer an intimate group setting or a larger informative type of session, you'll find options:

Head to Imaging USA early and take the Certification preparation class! The three-day intensive class covers all of the topics you'll encounter on the Certification exam (which you'll also have the opportunity to take during Imaging USA). It covers all of the technical side of photography and is equivalent to nearly a semester of college! You'll walk away more knowledgeable, more confident and more prepared.

Join this panel of Certified Professional Photographers and see how it's changed their photography and their businesses! The panelists range from wedding, baby, maternity, sports, headshots and senior photographers who all had a huge change in their business once they became a Certified Professional Photographer!

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday:

11:30 - 5 PM

PPA Booth: Learn the benefits of Certification and first steps at the PPA Association booth #1227, where PPA staffers will be able to show you the path to Certification and how to best get started.

Take the step to Be More Competitive in 2016 with Certification! See all of the options at ImagingUSA.org and get details on discounted hotel rooms at ImagingUSA.org/Hotel

200,000. That's about the number of professional photographers active in the United States, so how do you stand out from the crowd? You know your stuff and you are not average. Upholding an official certification like the CPP points it out right away!

If you are ready to venture into a new stage of your photography career, or want to take your work and professional recognition to a new level, then its time you got Certified.

Every year the photography world becomes more and more competitive to keep up with the changing times. Although there are some people that are just looking to get the best price out of any photographer despite the quality, there are actually a ton of people who value the quality of their photos. In order for a person to have confidence in their photographer sometimes they have to have proof to believe they will get the best results. This is why it is important to become a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) so that you will have a title to vouch for your name and work.

So now I bet you're wondering, what if I'm scared to do it? Well guess what, you're not the only one! Others may fear the steps of earning their CPP because they don't understand the process. It can be very challenging to try to figure it all out on your own and it shouldn't! That's why at Imaging USA 2016 there is a panel to help out, get rid of these fears, and put you on your way to becoming a Certified Professional Photographer.

Nicole
McIntosh is one of PPA's Marketing and Communications Interns, yay! Nicole is
known for her vibrant smile and the one to laugh even if the sky is falling. A
sophomore at Spelman College, she hopes that working with PPA will give her the
tools she needs to start her own non-profit organization one day.

Have you ever thought about becoming a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) or earning a PPA degree? These official marks of recognition will help you be more in-demand as they mean more than just being able to add a string of letters to the end of your name. Becoming a CPP or earning a degree is a great way to show your potential clients that you are a true professional photographer committed to constantly improving your craft - which means they can trust you to consistently create great imagery for them!

The next webinar on this topic is FREE! On June 9 at 2 pm EST Christine Walsh-Newton, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, goes over each step of the process in an online session called: "Certification, Competition, and Credentials: The Course for Continued Success". Christine will walk you through certification, photographic competition and degree programs and how they make a big difference in attaining various career and personal goals. Christine also de-mystifies each process and presents them in understandable terms so that you may incorporate one or more of them into your own goals.

It's a good way to get the low-down on PPA's Certification as well as the Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman and Artist degrees, what it takes to add each of them to your resume and how they will help you become a better photographer. Prepare to be inspired and... amused!

The webinar is free to both PPA members and non-members to stream live, so sign up today. If you want to access the recorded version of this webinar (and more than 1,100 other PPAedu classes and PhotoVision videos), you've got to be with PPA. So join today! And don't forget to enter your images in the IPC!

About the author:

Chris Homer is PPA's SEO & Web Specialist, which basically makes Google Analytics his best friend. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Chris cheers passionately (and obnoxiously) for the Bulldogs in all things from football to checkers. When he's not hard at work on PPA's websites, you'll find Chris at auto racing events around the southeast, where he's known as a master architect of tent villages.

Congratulations to our newest round of Certified Professional Photographers! These folks have taken the effort to pass the Certification exam, as well as the image submission portion to set themselves apart in the photographic industry.

Debbie Andrus, CPP - Camden, AL

Jennifer Ashby, CPP - Meridian, ID

Marina Baklanova, CPP Albany, CA

Ryan C. Bates, CPP - Vacaville, CA

Dawn Baxstrom, CPP - Drumright, OK

Roben Christian Bellomo, CPP - Carmel, IN

Humberto F. Boncristiani, CPP - Odenton, MD

Jaelene A. Bryan, CPP - Pullman, WA

Sandra M. Burns, CPP - Massapequa, NY

Stephanie R. Carnessali, CPP - Johnsonburg, PA

Sabina Cavalli, CPP - Naperville, IL

CL Clay, CPP - Elgin, SC

Diane K. Costello, CPP - Half Moon Bay, CA

Joshua A. Cuppek, CPP - Blairstown, NJ

Dalisa Jo DeChiara, CPP - Entiat, WA

Veronica Dennis, CPP - Huntsville, AL

Lori Jill DiBiase, CPP - Charleston, SC

Meghan Elizabeth Doll, CPP - Minneapolis, MN

Dan Ferguson, CPP - Wylie, TX

Russ Forthofer, CPP - Fishers, IN

Juliah K. Ginos, CPP - Quincy, IL

Susan A. Goralski, CPP - New Hartford, CT

Meggan Harper, CPP - Ormond Beach, FL

Blair Wyatt Haynie, CPP Houston, TX

Ryan Higgins, CPP - Phoenix, AZ

Jenn Hindman, CPP - Ellsworth, IA

Aubrey L. Hord, CPP - Kahului, HI

Kathryn Tracey Jennings, CPP - Stilesville, New Brunswick, Canada

Russell L. Jensen, CPP - Rapid City, SD

Bill S. Johnsen, CPP - Baraboo, WI

Felicia Jane Jones, CPP - Richland, WA

Edward Keller, CPP - Monroe, MI

Bob J. Laramie, CPP - Moorestown, NJ

John Lee, CPP - Little Neck, NY

Javon D. Longieliere, CPP - Valdosta, GA

Carla M. Lynn, CPP - Smyrna, TN

Ross D. Magnuson, CPP - Billings, MT

Laura H. Mansur, CPP - Houston, TX

Jeffrey L. Mason, CPP - Silver Spring, MD

Renee K. McCardell, CPP - Greensboro, NC

Scott A. McDougall, CPP - Highland Park, IL

Mac K. Miller, CPP - Tyler, TX

Steve L. Morrow, CPP - Abilene, TX

Ann Nester, CPP - Ravenswood, WV

Rodney O'Dell, CPP - Middletown, OH

Bradd A. Parker, CPP - Chatsworth, GA

Jari Poulin, CPP - Ithaca, NY

Jaiel Prado, CPP - Barueri, Brazil

James Remington, CPP - South Riding, VA

Tim Roebuck, CPP - Winter Garden, FL

Amanda A. Sharpe, CPP - Columbus, IN

Simone Cristina Silverio, CPP - Barueri, Brazil

Krystal L. Stankowski, CPP - Madison, WI

Chrystina Straughan, CPP - Cibolo, TX

Kimberly Diane Teichrow, CPP - Bend, OR

Zach Thomas, CPP - Saint Augustine, FL

Stephanie W Turner, CPP - Newton, NC

Graciela Valdes, CPP - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Joan Hustace Walker, CPP - Norfolk, VA

Qian Wang, CPP - Lexington, SC

Kerri S. Weiss, M.Photog., CPP - Saint Charles, IL

Rodney Williams, CPP - Columbia, SC

James M. Woltjen, CPP - New Bern, NC

Why should you consider becoming Certified? Check out our blog here that hits on the four key reasons Certification can boost your business and your confidence. Learn more here!

In today's photography world, it seems like everyone knows a "photographer". But, much like owning a knife doesn't make you a chef, owning a DSLR doesn't make you a professional photographer. So, how do you explain to potential clients the difference between your work and that of Uncle Phil's down the street? One easy way you can set yourself apart from the competition is by becoming a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP).

PPA started the CPP program to assure consumers that a certified photographer is an experienced professional with the knowledge to create, consistently, the best images possible. Becoming a CPP takes several steps on a photographer's part. First, you must take (and pass!) a written exam that covers the photography techniques used by pros. Finally, you must submit a portfolio of your images to a panel of judges, showing that you can indeed apply all of the techniques covered by the exam. Once you've passed both steps, you'll earn your CPP designation! You'll need to re-certify every 3 years, a process that is by design meant to ensure that CPP holders are always at the top of their craft. Learn more about the steps to becoming a CPP here.

Once you've earned your certification, it's time to start marketing it to possible customers! Keep in mind these 3 points when marketing your CPP designation:

1. Image & Advertising Edge

The fact that you are a CPP is an immediate huge trust indicator for clients and potential clients alike. By showing that you are certified on all of your advertising, you are telling them that they can rely on you to consistently produce high-quality images.

As Gregg Martin, CPP, says, "Photographers are coming out of the woodwork in every town in America, and being a CPP places you in a much different category than the average photographer. Being a CPP has opened doors to numerous corporate jobs, magazine work, sports contracts and several other opportunities in my career. It makes that instant difference between a hobbyist (even good ones) and a pro. And in a split second only."

2. Pricing Justification

As you know, the digital era has made it easier for inexperienced and fly-by-night photographers to enter the industry. Often, they undercut the profession by charging extremely low rates. Your CPP designation helps clients justify your higher asking prices. After all, don't they want the best photos possible for once-in-a-lifetime events like weddings and graduations? The inexperienced guy may be cheaper, but they'll get what they pay for when it comes to quality of images!

3. Peer Validation

Make sure your clients know that your certification is granted to you by Professional Photographers of America. It is the world's largest non-profit association for professional photographers and that alone is added credibility for your work. Before you can get certified, or even renew your certification, other photographers who have also earned the designation review your skills via the exam and the image submission. That process shows that you are knowledgeable and dedicated to your craft. And the fact that you must re-certify every 3 years shows that you are keeping up with the latest skills and techniques in photography. That should help put clients' minds at ease when hiring you.

4. Boost Your Confidence

Once you've earned your certification, you should be proud of what you've accomplished! After all, you are now one of the few Certified Professional Photographers, meaning that you can be confident that your work is top-notch. This confidence will come through when you are speaking with clients and help put them at ease with hiring you.

There you have it! We hope that the edge you can gain over the competition has inspired you to become a CPP. Just remember, you've got to be a PPA member to earn your certification. Join today!

Watch this video for more on the CPP program, and you can read all about it at ppa.com/cpp.

Have you heard? The Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) program was recently given a massive makeover--and it looks GOOD! The new CPP-only website provides CPPs with more resources than ever, including a Certification See the Difference video, a CPP-only marketing toolkit and so much more.

If you once held the prestigious CPP designation, we have some good news. You can be grandfathered in AT NO COST. That's right! Since you are a loyal PPA member you have the opportunity to reinstate your CPP, totally free! All you have to do is maintain your PPA membership. In three years, you'll have the opportunity to recertify and continue on as a CPP for years to come. Pretty good deal, huh?

Here's the fine print: You have until September 2014 to opt-in to the CPP Amnesty Program. You may opt-in anytime simply by completing the Certification Amnesty Form found at http://www.ppa.com/amnesty. Once you submit your form our Certification staff will update your status to reflect your reacquired designation as a CPP. You will then receive a CPP packet in the mail with your new CPP Certificate and CPP marketing materials to help you display and market your CPP proudly. And of course, you will also be able to access the CPP-only section on the website.

If you have any questions on the changes to the CPP program, please feel free to reach out to us at cppmailbox@ppa.com. We look forward to welcoming you back as a CPP!

Have you heard? The Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) program was recently given a massive makeover--and it looks GOOD! The new CPP-only website provides CPPs with more resources than ever, including a Certification See the Difference video, a CPP-only marketing toolkit and so much more.

Before we get too far into this, we need to share some good news! If you previously held the CPP designation, you can be grandfathered back in AT NO COST. All you have to do is maintain your PPA membership. In three years, you'll have the opportunity to recertify and continue on as a CPP for years to come. Pretty good deal, huh? Okay, now back to it.

The revamped Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) program's goal is to acknowledge and validate a consistent photography standard by which professional photographers can achieve and maintain a recognizable mark of excellence.

PPA's CPP program assures others of a photographer's knowledge, experience and continuance to develop new skills and techniques. It is a declaration of your professional competence! The certification program assures the general public that you, as a Certified Professional Photographer, are a quality professional. It's like quality assurance because certification is a credential that consumers and businesses understand.

More importantly, it provides you with a tool for telling the world--and all those potential clients--why they should call you rather than the competitor down the street. Because earning your designation isn't just for you--it's for your clients too!

Earning your CPP will give you an advertising edge, pricing justification and peer validation! And talk about a confidence boost! Clients in every industry seek out credentialed professionals, as the public recognizes certification as a sign that one is an authority in the field. A CPP designation offers potential clients an assurance, not just of quality, but of professionalism, technical skill and artistic expertise.

We'll let PPA member, Dave Goldman, CPP, have a crack at this one:

"Would you use a first-year resident as a doctor because you can save a few dollars on an operation or use a specialist recognized by his peers in a particular profession? Certification shows that you took the time to learn about what you are doing and how you perform to a higher standard. Each client that comes to my studio asks me about the very visible certificate on the wall. I explain the difference between CPPs and everyday photographers and educate them on the investment they are about to make. Certification makes it a critical difference."

The new Certification microsite gives you everything you need to know about the program, from in-depth explanation on what a certification is and means, to the CPP pathway for those who have yet to certify! If you fall into the latter, consider the CPP Prep class taking place next month here at PPA HQ in Atlanta!

Be on the lookout for the new CPP newsletters, the CPP Liaison newsletters and enjoy the many benefits offered in the Certification updated program.

At first thought, you might think that all judging is the same: some (extremely dedicated) PPA Jurors get together and give your work a thumbs up or down (based on a set of serious evaluation criteria, of course!). The principle is similar between the two, but depending on if it's for IPC or CPP, what they are evaluating is completely different!

Think of the CPP image submission as your best portfolio work (like your day-to-day, how you pay the bills type of work). On the other hand, the International Photographic Competition is where you can get crazy, artistic and creative. Submit what you do out of love versus what your portfolio is based on - sometimes they can be the same thing, but often times the work a photographer submits to one is not suitable for the other. Why? Let's dive in.

For the IPC (and related District Competitions):

The Photographic Exhibitions Committee (PEC) of PPA uses the 12 elements below as the "gold standard" to define a merit image. PEC trains judges to be mindful of these elements when judging images to the PPA merit level and to be placed in the International Photographic Exhibit at Imaging USA. The use of these 12 elements connects the modern practice of photography and its photographers to the historical practice of photography begun nearly two centuries ago.

Twelve elements have been defined as necessary for the success of an art piece or image. Any image, art piece, or photograph will reveal some measure of all twelve elements, while a visually superior example will reveal obvious consideration of each one.

The Twelve elements listed below are in accordance to their importance.

Impact - This is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion. There can be impact in any of these twelve elements.

Technical Excellence - The quality of the image itself, as it is presented for viewing, is taken into consideration. Retouching, manipulation, sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color are some items that speak to the qualities of the image.

Creativity - This relates to the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using photography medium to convey his or her idea, message or thought.

Style - There is a number of ways, or styles, as it applies to creating an image. Style might be defined by a specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject.

Composition - This is important to the design of an image, as it brings all of the visual elements together and contributes to expressing a purpose. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image while leading the viewer to follow the direction intended by the creator. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.

Presentation - This is the finished look that affects and contributes to the impact or intent of an image. The mats and borders used, either physical or digital, should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.

Color Balance - The color harmony and the way tones work together effectively supporting the image can enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.

Center of Interest - This is the point or points on the image where the maker wants the viewer to stop as they view the image. There can be primary and secondary centers of interest. Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest, when the entire scene collectively serves as the center of interest.

Lighting - There is no image without light and judges evaluate the use and control of light, how dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it should enhance an image.

Subject Matter - An image's name should always be supporting the story being told.

Technique - The approach used to create the image is reflected in the technique used. Printing, lighting, posing, capture, presentation media, and more are part of the technique applied to an image.

Story Telling - This refers to the image's ability to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an image.

For the Certification's image submission:

CPP image submissions are judged by a group of 5 jurors who rotate each submission period. The judging pool consists of CPP Liaisons, Certification Committee members and active Certified Professional Photographers.

As a CPP candidate, you are required to submit a portfolio of 15 images. The first six images must fit within the compulsory guidelines showing a standardized technical proficiency that all professional photographers, regardless of specialty, should know. Of those six, three must include the following:

Broad lighting 3:1 ratio

Selective focus, with minimum depth of field

Short lighting 3:1 ratio

The other three mandatory images must fall into one of the following categories. Choose any 3 of these image types to use as your fourth, fifth, and sixth image submission entries.

High Key Image - This image should demonstrate the proper technique in lighting a subject for a high key result. Note: 'Key' in an image describes the overall tonal range in which an image is created. This includes background, props & clothing. Therefore, a High Key image is an image where the predominant tones in the image are brighter than the mid tones. High Key images are typically lower in contrast than Low Key Images.

Low Key Image - This image should demonstrate the proper technique in lighting a subject for a low key result.

Rule of Thirds - This image should demonstrate subject placement and organization.

Use of Shape, Form, and Texture - This image should demonstrate these basic elements of art.

Balance (symmetrical or asymmetrical) - This image should demonstrate the principles of balance achieved through subject size, placement, weight or color.

Color Harmony - This image should demonstrate the harmonious relationship of color to create focus on your point of subject. Note: Color harmony delivers visual interest and a sense of order. In portraiture, color harmony can help draw the viewer's eye to the point within the image which is most important.

"S" Curve Line - This image should demonstrate the "S" curve or feminine posing.

Architectural - This image should demonstrate the commercial application of architectural photography.

The remaining nine images must be representative of paid client work from nine different job assignments in the last 24 months. If you are a wedding photographer, that means nine different weddings, same with portraits or families. If you do multiple types of photography, then your portfolio can include a little of all that you do.

At the end of the day, the CPP image submission is a about entering technically excellent images that portray the fundamental basics of photography, whereas the IPC allows you to focus on the creation of the art.

Interested in becoming a CPP or participating in future photographic competitions? Check out www.ppa.com for all the details!

Here at PPA, one of the biggest challenges we hear photographers talk about is making their business stand out from all the other photography studios out there. Many of these competitors actually fall under the hobbyists' category and lack the skills and dedication of trained professional photographers.

Showing potential clients that you have the experience, skills, and recognized status of a pro can be a huge help in setting your business apart from the competition. How can you do this? Well, becoming a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is one sure way to show potential clients that you are a professional photographer, guaranteeing that they'll receive high quality images, unlike with a hobbyist. It also helps justify why your prices may be higher than other folks out there.

Earning your Certification is a process that definitely will require some effort on your part. After all, you're trying to show that you are a professional photographer at the top of your game and an expert in your field!

In order to become certified, you must pass both a written exam that covers various technical topics of photography (technical things that every serious photographer should be fluent with) and an Image Submission Review, where you'll submit your own work and show that you understand the concepts covered by the exam.

Anyone can declare their candidacy for the CPP exam and there are no requirements to prepare for the exam. However, the technicality and depth of information covered in the exam is not for the faint of heart or beginners in photography. This is why, for those seeking to earn the CPP credential, PPA highly recommends attending the Certification Preparation Class to review these topics. That way, the topics will be fresh in your mind when you take the CPP exam! Plus, there's an optional fourth day of the class that will cover the Image Submission Review. Remember, the CPP Image Submission Review is judged differently than the International Photographic Competition. It's helpful to hear how you'll be critiqued and to learn best strategies of what work to select.

We hosted a Certification Preparation Class at our headquarters in Atlanta from July 15 - 18 and talked to several attendees about their motivation for starting the process and how the class helped them prepare for the exam and image review.

Why Attendees Want to Be a CPP:

"Certification gives me something I've never had, and that's showing I've gone through the gauntlet learning the high standards that are required of a professional photographer. I believe that there are so many people out there today with digital cameras who call themselves photographers and I really find that it's sad because so many people are just not producing the quality of work that I feel the profession deserves." - Jim McDonald, James McDonald Photography

"When I pass the certification process, it will be a stamp of approval for my clients showing that I know what I'm doing and that's why I charge what I do. It can also help me raise the bar for photography in our area, encouraging more people to pick a real pro!" - Bonnie Jean Berg, BJB Photography

"Certification will help my marketing efforts by saying to my clients 'I can give you a great product because I spent the time and money to be certified by a panel of highly experienced and educated photographers.'" - Lisa Shorts, ImagoModo Photography

"Everyone says they are a photographer but they really aren't. Not until they know the art, they know what they are doing and they know everything about exposures and the whole gamut. That's what's going to help set my business apart and explaining that to my clients will put me over the [competitive] edge." - Daniel Douglas, Daniel Douglas Photography

What Attendees Took Away From the Class

"I can apply everything I know about shooting a picture, but trying to regurgitate it for the exam is really more complicated than people think. I know instinctively what to do, but the prep class helped me to be able to know the technical steps behind making an image, so I can take the exam and make sure that I pass." - Lisa Shorts, ImagoModo Photography

"The instructor was very thorough and covered everything in the class to help us pass the exam, and I also learned a lot of information that will help my business to be better in general." - Denise Savage, Savage Photography

"You can never know too much about photography. Even though I'm a photography instructor, the class helped keep my skills sharp and keep me aware of the 'cutting-edge' of what's going on in photography." - Jim McDonald, James McDonald Photography

"The class gave me basic information about some of the aspects of photography I've never worked with before. I was surprised to find that some of the things I didn't think I knew, I actually did. It was a neat confidence boost." - Bonnie Jean Berg, BJB Photography

PPA member, Super
Monday instructor and recent CPP recipient, Dave Goldman, has been named a CPP Liaison for the state of North Carolina.

"Becoming a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) was a huge
accomplishment for me! Passing the CPP exam and image submission process was
incredibly difficult. I now hold a designation that less than 8% of the
photographers worldwide hold," stated Goldman. "I also now know that I have the
necessary skill set to be professionally recognized by my peers as a Certified
Professional Photographer. My clients always love my work, but it takes the
recognition to a whole new level when it comes from the industry itself. Working
towards the CPP has given me the ability and confidence to create strong images
under any conditions and I can
produce consistent, repeatable results each and every time."

Dave's passion for teaching inspired him to go above and beyond
becoming a CPP to become the first and only state Liaison for North Carolina in Charlotte.

"I love to teach and I wanted to give back to the photography
community. Most people have no idea where to turn for learning and they end up
at local meet-up groups. These groups are okay when you are starting in the
[photography] business," said Dave. "I get very motivated when I see beginners
aspire to become certified and I can now help them achieve that. I hope to
raise the bar and educate other photographers through workshops and hands-on
classes."

Dave has a reason to be motivated--becoming a Certified
Professional Photographer has made an significant difference in his business.

"Most photographers claim that certification means nothing to their
clients; however in my case that is far from the truth. Would you use a first-year
resident as a doctor because you can save a few dollars on an operation or use
a specialist recognized by his peers in a particular profession? Certification
shows that you took the time to learn about what you are doing and how you
perform to a higher standard," said Dave. "Each client that comes to my studio
asks me about the very visible certificate on the wall. I explain the
difference between CPPs and every-day photographers with a camera and educate
them on the investment they are about to make. Certification makes it a critical
difference."

View some of Dave's
Certification passing images below and if you are interested in pursuing the certification
program, here are some easy steps to get started:

First, check out http://certifiedphotographer.com/, then to look for a CPP liaison in
your local area and get connected. Find other CPP's and speak with them about
what the process, what it brought to them and to their business. They'll help
you sort through what certification can do for you. Finally, pair up with a CPP
(shadow or second shoot are great options) and see how they do things and learn
from them. After all, they are trained to create beautiful images under any
circumstances, so you are bound to learn something.

When you're looking for professional services, you pay attention to any certifications or designations the business may have, right? Well, the same can be said for your potential customers searching for a professional photographer.

That's where PPA's Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation can help you out! While a consumer may not know much about professional photography, having the CPP designation for your business tells them that they can expect professional quality services and goods from you.

It may seem easier to ignore the certification process, but it can greatly help you and your business' image. Several PPA members weighed-in with their thoughts on the worth of the program.

In a former life, Mary Buck, CPP, was in real estate. As such, licensing and keeping up with the credential requirements was a must in her line of business.

"Even before I started turning photography into my full-time business, I could see how some people could resist the certification process, because there is such a low barrier to entry into the field," she said. "I believe there should be a certain bar, in any industry, and certification does that for us photographers.

"The clients who care, and the ones I want, are the ones that respect me for making a commitment to my profession."

Studies have shown that having professional certification is the most widely recognized consumer credential, so certification can turn into a big advantage over your competition.

However, the CPP designation has more advantages than just giving you a leg up on your competitors. It will also make you a more confident photographer.

"What happened to me on the business side wasn't nearly as profound as what I found on the inside," said Stuart Husson, CPP. "The process to become certified was personal. I thought it would enhance my business, but that turned out to be secondary.

"I simply wanted to see if I was good enough, but the boost in self-confidence was such that it gave me the assurance that it was okay to turn down potential clients who did not meet my preferred client profile."

As you might expect, earning a CPP designation does take some effort and work on your part. In order to become a CPP, you must pass both a written exam on photography techniques and skills as well as the image submission review, where you'll submit your own photographs to be accepted by the Certification panel.

The process can also help fill in any gaps in your photographic knowledge, as 2013 first time CPP, Andrea Taylor, CPP, shared.

"I decided to become certified because I didn't go to photography school," she said. "I'm an emotional photographer, so it forced me to study and do things I wouldn't have done otherwise. I really tapped into a lot of technical parts of photography and I expect this process to impact my business because of my personal feelings about the whole process. The more confident I am, the better I can serve my clients."

To help you along the way towards becoming a CPP and to prepare you for the challenges of the exam, PPA hosts Certification Preparation classes. There's one coming up July 15-17, at PPA's headquarters in Atlanta, GA.

If you've ever considered taking the CPP exam, this class is for you. In fact, during these three days we will review all the technical topics covered by the exam. It's an in-depth study of the technical side of photography, almost equivalent to a semester of college!

The Zone System (and how it helps you understand the digital histogram)

Difference between a Bit, a Byte and Bit Depth

Are you 100% familiar with these six topics? Taking the Certification Preparation class is sure to make you more relaxed and confident when it comes time to take the exam. Better yet, you'll be able to choose to take the exam at the end of the class when all this information is fresh in your head.

If you're nervous about the image submission portion of the certification process, there is an optional fourth day of class on July 18 that will explain the submission criteria and show you some examples of certifiable images.

Certification Image Review DeadlineThe deadline for the last Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) image review of the year is October 10, 2008. Visit CertifiedPhotographer.com. to download your image submission forms and for complete information on the CPP program.

Certification Exams at Imaging USAThe certification exam will be offered on all three days of Imaging USA in Phoenix this January. The dates and times are:

January 11, 2009, from 9am to 11am

January 12, 2009, from 9am to 11am

January 13, 2009, from 10am to 12pm

Candidates wishing to take the exam must contact the Service Center at 800-786-6277, at least five days prior to an exam to reserve a space. Picture identification is required upon arrival at the testing site.